Sayings

I'm trying to do something fun for my hubby and friends for our trip to CN. I am looking for Jamaican sayings. I want a different one for each person! Does anyone have any? I'd like the saying and the meaning! Thanks!

Well, if you've ever been to a Couples resort, the housekeeping staff leaves a little card on the pillow daily that has a Jamaican folk saying, usually written in Patois. There's also an encourgement to ask your housekeeper to help you if you don't understand the saying.

If you've never been, well, hopefully someone can post a few of these, which can be sharp in tone at times, but words to live by, none-the-less.

There is someone that may be able to help you with that. Go on Facebook and search Adrian Cain. He works the main dining room, mornings and nights. He is a good friend and should be a good source for true Jamaican sayings. Tell him Richie sent you.

We purchased at the CTI store a book titled "LMH Official Dictionary of Popular Jamaican Phrases and also "LMH Official Dictionary of Sex Island Style" compiled by L. Mike Henry/K. Sean Harris. You may be able to get them a bookstore or online before you go.

The most common phrases they use is "Wa-Gwan" which means "What's going on". A response could be "Nuhton" = nothing.

some cool jamaican sayings are;
"you a give me basket fi carry water"- the task is impossible
"wanty wanty cant get it and getty getty, dont want it" - people who are fortunate dont realize what they have and those who wish they were will never be.

as i said there is so many this would take all day, but i can tell you any of them if you tell me the english version of the saying.

Other than the usual Irie, respect, no problem, and Ya Mon you can try these:

•Puss and dawg nuh have di same luck
Some people are luckier than others
•What a fi yu, cyaan be un fi yu
What is yours will always be yours
•When puss belly full im seh rat batty bitter
People forget where they come from
•Young bud nuh know storm
Experience teaches wisdom
•Man nuh dead nuh call dem duppy
Never underestimate people
•Dawg a sweat an long hair hide it
All that glitters is not gold
•Every dawg have him day an every puss him 4 o'clock
Every dog has his day
•When trouble ketch yu pickney shut fit yu
Any port in a storm

But hopefully that port is at Couples! The best place to ride out any storm.